Discussion Topics for Today's Classroom

Monthly Archives: January 2015

Description: Shares of big health care companies have soared since the Affordable Care Act went into effect. UnitedHealth is at a record high following solid earnings. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Jan 21, 2015 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2015/01/21/obamacare-healthcare-stocks.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Why have health insurers done well? Do they still represent a good investment going forward?

Description: It’s the burgers time to shine in the restaurant market right now as New York City’s Shake Shack announces it’s trying to net as much as $80 million in its initial public offering. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: Jan 20, 2015 Link: http://for.tn/1KYveip Questions for Discussions: Explain the investor appeal in these food… Read more »

Description: There should be a sign hanging outside the foreign-exchange market that reads: Amateurs need not apply. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: Jan 21, 2015 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2015/01/21/investing/fxcm-swiss-currency-trading/index.html?iid=HP_River Questions for discussion: Why is currency trading so risky, according to the report? Why does it attract traders?

Description: Ah, Switzerland, famed for cuckoo clocks and sound money. Other nations may experiment with radical economic policies, but with the Swiss you don’t get surprises. Source: NYTimes.com Date: Jan 15, 2015 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/16/opinion/paul-krugman-francs-fear-and-folly.html?mabReward=R5&action=click&contentCollection=Middle%20East&region=Footer&module=Recommendation&src=recg&pgtype=article Questions for Discussions: Summarize the actions taken by the Swiss to manage the franc. What is the concern for the US… Read more »

Description: Oscar nominations are expected to bring in millions of extra dollars for films nominated for or winning Academy Awards. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: Jan 17, 2015 Link: http://for.tn/1sHlzH2 Questions for Discussions: What does the report say about the value of an Oscar influence on profits? Can investors factor this into investing strategies?… Read more »

Description: In the wake of the 2008 market crash, a growing number of individual investors jumped into currency trading under the impression that it was a safer bet than stocks. On Thursday, investors learned just how wrong they were. Source: Fortune.com Date: Jan 16, 2015 Link: http://fortune.com/2015/01/16/swiss-franc-400-million-losses/ Questions for discussion: What are the lessons investors… Read more »

Description: 1. We have no idea what we’re doing… Source: Marketwatch.com Date: Jan 17, 2015 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/10-things-investors-wont-tell-you-2015-01-16 Questions for Discussions: Summarize the research presented in this report. What should the industry of professional money managers do with this information?